Imphal: Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Imphal on Sunday to demand an update to the National Register of Citizens in Manipur before the government begins its next census. Organized by 14 civil society groups under the banner of 14 CSOs Kangleipak, the protest drew students, artists, women, and indigenous community members who gathered to express concerns over the state's shifting demographics.
Protesters marched from Tiddim Ground to THAU Ground, carrying signs that declared, "Only Updation of NRC Can Save Manipur." Many participants voiced fears that moving forward with a census without first identifying genuine citizens would lead to unreliable population data. They argued this could negatively impact future political delimitation and undermine existing safeguards for indigenous groups.
Shanta Nahakpam, the rally convenor, criticized the Central Government for its perceived indifference toward Manipur's specific security challenges. He noted that while the Union government recently formed a committee to monitor demographic changes in various states, Manipur requires specialized attention due to its sensitive border with Myanmar and persistent ethnic instability. Nahakpam urged federal officials to include a representative from the Manipur government in the new demographic study, asserting that local institutions possess the necessary insight into the state's ground realities.
Speakers at the event highlighted the connection between unchecked cross-border movement, illegal immigration, and the expansion of illicit narcotics networks. They maintained that a robust citizen verification mechanism is essential to protecting local land rights and political representation. The protest concluded with a unified call for the Centre to prioritize the NRC update as a matter of urgent national security.
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